hello! i hope you enjoy playing this lil choose your own adventure game! there are four endings total. thank you for reading and good luck to all!! <3 keep in mind italic words are facts relating to cowpaw and bold words is just dialogue!
cowpaw is drawn by me but all of the lovely pixel art throughout this adventure is not! to see who made each image just simply click on whatever pixel art you are viewing and you will be redirected to their profile! check them out!
> Your name is Ashenstorm. A Windclan warrior with mottled brown fur and blue eyes. Currently you are suffering.
You are one of the strongest warriors actually. Nothing could phase you. Nothing at all. You've fought foxes, dogs, badgers and so much more! You rise up from your nest, wincing as you cough loudly. Your fur is hot and you feel like you're barely there. It's a clear sign of what this is or at least the beginning of .. greencough. You shudder at the thought. It's a horrible sickness that has taken many. You approach the medicine cats' den carefully. . . You may or may not have lied. One thing does phase you. Cowpaw. A large white tom with black spots, slightly folded ears, and big blue and green eyes that unsettle you to your very core. Your clanmates tell you that you're just dramatic. It isn't like Cowpaw causes trouble -- he surely invites it at least -- there's just something a little bit off. Cowpaw is a very sociable cat which is ironic because it's a rarity for him to talk. Actually, you don't think you have ever heard him talk. He can, at least. Oh, you know he can. Gosh, not to mention you never hear him when he approaches you and.. and.. Starclan. He's just weird, alright?
.... You begin to realize you've been standing in front of this den for an awful long time. It's time. It's time to face your fears.
> Enter the den.
The den is dimly lit by the sun shining through. The strong scent of greenery fills your senses and you let out a distasteful huff. You glance around before your eyes land on a spotted back. Cowpaw . Leaves are sticking out of his fur and he is desperately trying to get them out, mumbling unhappily about it. It's.. weird but it isn't too bad. "Hello?" You call out, taking a step closer. Cowpaw turns to face you, blinking at you for a moment in surprise. He tilts his head to the left, a confused look plastered on his round face. "Peachfrost isn't here, is she?" You ask hopefully, maybe.. just maybe? Cowpaw shakes his head and his feathery tail flickers towards the .. ah, that's an awful low herb collection. You think, at least. Before you can carry on a sudden cough overtakes you and it quickly turns into a rough fit. It racks your body and you almost topple but Cowpaw rushes forward, supporting your extra weight. He moves you onto bedding and you sit down with a sigh of relief. "Just.. a bad cough and aches, " You wheeze out, averting your gaze from him. It was rather embarrassing, alright? Cowpaw is obviously not buying it because he frowns at you. He steps closer, pressing his head against your chest before huffing. He turns away to the herb pile. The silence carries on and you fidget uncomfortably. The more you stare you notice that.. Cowpaw is awfully large. It's practically a fact he was built to be a warrior. It's hilarious, actually. He doesn't even like he could hurt a fly. The more you look at him you can't help but wonder...
...> Run away from camp.
... Are you.. are you sure? Cowpaw isn't that scary! He's just an apprentice that dreams too much, a little bit dumb at times but he's a good kid. Nope.. you are most definitely running away. Running from your camp, your home, your family... Well! Someone must have forgotten they were sick with greencough. Due to this action you end up dying in some random place alone. If this is what you wanted, congrats!
GAME OVER
ending one - you died alone.
> "Are you mute?"
A way to be blunt, huh? He recoils in surprise, jerking his head up and turning to stare at you for a moment. You watch conflicting emotions flash over his face as he frowns even deeper. He looks like he wants to say something. Instead Cowpaw shakes his head no. It doesn't do anything to prove he isn't. He's holding a sweet-smelling plant in his mouth and you lick your lips.He leans down and sets it by your paws. You look to him and the plant, slightly confused. Cowpaw gives a nod and pushes it closer. "Oh!" You gasp before realizing. He wants you to eat it. You happily gobble it up. It helps soothe.. everything and adds a hazy layer. This time you welcome it. He's staring at you rather intensely. Perhaps he wants you to go? This thought is shaken away as Cowpaw leans closer and presses a paw against your forehead. Blink blink. He turns away once more.
> "What made you want to become a medicine cat, anyway?"
You couldn't help but ask. The silence was all too uncomfortable and you had your curiosity. You had heard about how he came one -- it was hilarious but still seemed like it came out of nowhere. Not to mention it was honestly such a shame. You didn't say that out loud. Cowpaw looks at you in surprise as he turns around. A delicious smelling plant is in his mouth.. you can't help but lick your lips. He sets it by your paws, giving you a nod. "Eat it... It'll help, " He explains and then seems to immediately cringe at his own voice. You happily oblige and gobble what you now realize is catmint up. It helps soothes .. everything. It clears your mind but as a hazy layer that you actually welcome. Cowpaw sits down in front of you, eyes flickering around the den awkwardly. You turn your attention back to him. "Why... did .. I want to become one...? It's.. it's pretty predicable, if we're being honest.." He laughs and it sounds a bit strained. "I don't want to hurt.. anyone. Even if they're uhm.. not very good cats.. I want to save others.. help my clanmates and know when I see them thriving .. I had a part in that.. I think I always knew it.. deep down, you know..? Still.. tried to become a warrior though, " There is a soft smile on his face as he finishes, a quiet laugh comes from him at the last part. You know he's referring to when he had trained as a warrior for a little time. You're just surprised he answered you at all. Honored. Then a cough escapes you and you stagger. Cowpaw rushes forward, stabilizing you. He lets out a quiet hm, pressing a paw against your forehead. Once you settle down he turns away once more.
> "Do you believe in starclan then?"
Starclan. You weren't entirely sure how you felt about them. You were labeled as indifferent. Though, medicine cats were practically required to like them.. right? Cowpaw turns around with a tangy-smelling plant in his mouth. You have a feeling this one isn't going to be as tasty.. He sets it by your paws and you gobble it up. "Blaahh!" You stick your tongue out, shaking your head. It does lift your fever at least. Cowpaw sympathetically brushes his tail against you. "I.. very much.. like Starclan.." He giggles, shuffling with his paws. "They're.. so.. cool..! I mean, they're powerful and.. just good.. so yes.. I uh, I do, " He responds, a twinkling look of awe in his eyes. He wants to say more and it's obvious but he holds back. A sudden cough escapes you and Cowpaw frowns once more. "You're gonna get your face stuck like that if you keep doing that. I'm fine, " You reassure. It makes him frown harder. Cowpaw makes a gesture to the bedding and you don't think you'll win this fight. You've heard how medicine cats can be. You surrender as you lay down.
> Stay silent.
It seems like this silence isn't going to disappear. You let out a cough, taking in a sharp and raggedy breath. The catmint had helped but you still didn't feel all so good. Cowpaw turns around and this time a tangy-smelling plant is in his mouth. Oh c'mon! You have a feeling that this isn't going to taste very well. He sets it down by your paws and you gobble it up. "Gross!" You whine, shaking your head. "Well uh, I guess I'll get out of your fur now, " You go to stand up but are blocked by a feathery tail. "Rest.. " Cowpaw says softly, nudging you back to the bedding. You feel too weak to deny it as you lay down..
> "I like your leaves!"
It's true. You do like his leaves. You're a little bit confused on why he's wearing them. It does make Cowpaw look like a dork but it fits him somehow. A startled laugh escapes from the apprentice. He turns to face you, a tangy-smelling plant is in his mouth. He sets it by your paws and you already know how this goes. You are not looking forward to it. "Uhm.. thank you, " Cowpaw smiles softly while you eat the.. it tastes horrible. It does in fact help your fever. "Though.. I... didn't .. purposely put them there..? I kinda,, sleep,, walk.,, and I woke up in a bush this.. morning. " He shudders at the memory. "Ooh, " You nod. That makes much more sense. Suddenly you feel dumb. You feel bad for Cowpaw, yikes. That doesn't sound like it would be too fun.
> "Do you get along with Peachfrost?"
Cowpaw lifts his head and stares at you in confusion. He's surprised for a moment. He's holding a tangy-smelling plant and sets it by your paws. "Oh gross..." You whine, forming a small pout. You doubt this will taste good. You hesitantly eat it. It is in fact not tasty but helps to soothe your fever. "We.. get along.. pretty well! She's.. she's a really good mentor, " Cowpaw laughs quietly, "And smart.. she knows so.. many herbs.. it's a little scary.. " He shakes his head, mumbling the last part. You wonder how they manage in this den. Both of them are rather large after all. A loud and sudden cough escapes you. Cowpaw stares at you worriedly for a moment before gesturing to the bedding. "You should.. get some rest.. " He meows, and ah. That sounds like a good plan..
> "Does your family approve of you being a medicine cat?"
Well. That definitely wasn't a good question. You were hoping to get to know him so perhaps he wouldn't unsettle you so much. Cowpaw freezes and you can see him hunch down, his tail curling around himself protectively. "That's rather.. personal... don't you think..?" He mumbles, offering a weak shrug of his shoulders. "They.. don't have m..much of a choice, anyway.." He adds and you realize that's a no. Yikes. Poor kid. Cowpaw turns back to you, a strained smile on his face. He's holding a tangy-smelling plant in his mouth. He sets it down by your paws and you gobble it up. You wince at that horrible taste. "... You should get some rest..." Cowpaw states, averting his gaze from you. Your whole body aches and your head is pounding. That sounds.. rather delightful.
> "Can I help with those pesty leaves? I'm real good at getting them out."
You grin at the offer and Cowpaw seems taken aback. "Sure.. thank you,,, Ashenstorm, " He meows gratefully and moves closer. You lean over and begin to take the leaves out of his thick fur. He seems to have done a decent job of getting them out but some were still there. It doesn't take too long until they are all out. Cowpaw lets out a purr of satisfaction and you smile. You're happy to help. Perhaps he isn't.. as bad as you thought. The two of you continue to talk for a while. Well, you're the one who talks a lot. Cowpaw takes a while to talk without prompt -- his voice is soft and he stumbles over his words. It's nice to talk to him. You learn he naturally speaks slow and that he is clumsy. That he has a lot of dreams and ambitions and you think that he'll actually accomplish them.It becomes dark outside and Peachfrost has since long returned. "You should sleep, " Cowpaw meows as he notices you begin to nod off. You can't fight him on this as you lay down.
> Rest.
The bedding is soft and comfortable. You can't fight the need for sleep as you begin to slip away. You can distantly hear Cowpaw mumbling worriedly to himself but you do not think much of it. This interaction at least didn't go horribly wrong. You're grateful it's over. Cowpaw is just the same strange apprentice you knew of.
GAME OVER
ending three - nothing has changed.
> Rest.
You settle down and let your thoughts drift off. Distantly you can hear Cowpaw mumbling to himself worriedly. This.. interaction could have gone better. You were just curious! Yet now it seems like the apprentice is now uncomfortable around you. You don't even think he has a bone in his body to truly dislike you. Which makes you feel more guilty. Especially at the fact you can hear Cowpaw worrying about you while you slip away.. You shake those thoughts away and enter a bitter dream.
GAME OVER
ending two - cowpaw is highly uncomfortable around you.
> "Hey.. I think I'm going to rest a bit.."
Cowpaw seems to blink in surprise at the suddenness but the more he looks at you he realizes how .. weary you truly look. He nods and makes a gesture to the bedding. You happily lay down and let your thoughts drift away. Your whole body.. aches. You can distantly hear Cowpaw mumbling worriedly as you slip into a slumber. It wasn't as bad as it could have gone. Cowpaw seems the same as you knew him as. A strange apprentice -- maybe a bit more hilarious than you thought.
GAME OVER
ending three - nothing has changed.
> Rest.
You can feel Cowpaw watch over you and you feel safe. You wouldn't admit it to no one but you were horrified of what the outcome of your sickness would be. Thankfully, Cowpaw reassured you it was still whitecough for now. He's.. nice. You know this kid is going to be a good medicine cat and if anyone dares hurt him.. you.. you.. would pull uh, who knows. All you know is that Cowpaw.. really isn't that bad. It puts a smile on your face as you slip into a comfortable slumber. You're glad you got to talk to him.
GAME OVER
ending four - you befriended cowpaw!
